Cleveland Browns defensive finish Myles Garrett spoke publicly Wednesday for the primary time since saying a commerce request Monday, telling the “Wealthy Eisen Present” that he and the group usually are not aligned on the staff’s future.
“It isn’t a call I take evenly,” stated Garrett, talking on Radio Row in New Orleans. “It took time and many dialog. Simply wanting on the trajectory of the staff, speaking to a number of the higher-ups, I’ve loads of respect for them, however I simply do not suppose we’re aligned on the place the staff goes within the close to future.”
Garrett, the NFL’s reigning Defensive Participant of the Yr, on Monday launched an announcement saying his want to be traded from the Browns, who drafted him with the No. 1 decide in 2017.
Garrett, who has made the playoffs solely twice in eight years, made feedback in the course of the season that he wished to know the staff’s offseason plans earlier than additional committing to the group. The 29-year-old has two years remaining on the record-breaking five-year, $125 million extension he signed in 2020 however has no extra assured wage.
The Browns’ 3-14 end was their worst since going 0-16 in 2017, Garrett’s rookie 12 months. Cleveland holds the second decide within the 2025 NFL draft.
“I simply felt it was time,” Garrett stated. “I had taken my time after the season, sort of relaxed and decompressed emotionally. Wished to distance myself somewhat bit and spent somewhat time speaking to my household about how we really feel about this choice.”
Garrett stated he additionally consulted with Lakers star and Akron native LeBron James, who twice left the Cleveland Cavaliers, about “what a transition seemed like for him, what was his thought course of going into it earlier than he left Cleveland.”
A six-time Professional Bowler and four-time All-Professional, Garrett reiterated his want to go to a contender however acknowledged “I haven’t got a lot say in the place I am going.” Garrett’s contract doesn’t embody a no-trade clause.
Twice up to now month, Browns basic supervisor Andrew Berry advised reporters he had no intention of buying and selling Garrett. And within the aftermath of Garrett’s commerce request, a number of staff sources advised ESPN that nothing had modified inside the group.
“It is by no means been concerning the Corridor of Fame for me,” Garrett stated. “It isn’t about cash or data. You are remembered for profitable.”
